Comment: Apple's Spring Loaded Event – The Good the Bad... And Almost No Ugly

Apple just hit a hole in one (some might even say a home run) with the HomePods. The HomePod mini has led to a sharp increase in sales this year in the second quarter. Additionally, the former smart speaker king Amazon has had to step aside.

Apple contracts a large portion of its repairs out to CSAT Solutions. According to a recent report, CSAT Solutions exploits its workers and doesn't seem to care all too much about their conditions. Apple has already reacted to the allegations.

Before the release or announcement of new devices from Cupertino, a plethora of information is usually leaked to the press – with Apple usually refraining from reacting to the speculation. This is different when it comes to photos of prototypes.

Intel wants to be back on top in at least 5 years and just recently announced a roadmap. However, there have been recent innovations made by Intel competitor TSMC – making Intel's road to "King of the Hill" appear far more difficult.

AirTag users can change their AirTags' batteries in just a few steps. However, there's one thing to pay close attention to – CR2032 batteries don't work correctly with the tracking devices.

Tim Cook recently answered questions concerning vertical integration at Apple at yesterday's quarterly conference, concerning whether or not Apple has plans to produce all device components for iPhone, iPad, and Mac itself.

Being able to carry personal identification or a driver's license on your phone is quite convenient – however, it could also enable third parties to copy and steal personal identification. There are some clues as to how Apple is approaching this concern in iOS 15's 4th beta.

Last quarter's numbers are just in and it looks like customers have been throwing money at Cupertino. There's never been such as successful a quarter or as much progress between April and June at Apple as now – more details below.

Quite impressively, Apple has managed to reopen a market thought to have been closed long ago – the company market. Meanwhile, the Mac's market share within companies is now greater than that of private users.

A diverse set of internal problems have led to Intel losing touch with what made the company best-in-class. Now, the chip giant has announced a new plan – illustrating a set of steps meant to restore the company's former glory. In addition to the announcement of commissioned work for other companies, Intel has released a road map for next year.

The MacBook Pro 16" with M1X is definitely arriving this fall. However, fans of the larger iMac will have to wait a little longer. A well-known leaker recently revealed that the new iMac won't arrive until the fall of 2022 – and maybe not even until the summer.

There's been a surprising occurrence – after more than a decade, Apple is finally set to make another trade fair appearance. Apple also has a new VP of Communications, after the seat had remained empty for one and a half years.

At the moment, Apple devices have a mixture of Touch ID and Face ID. The budget models in the lineup come with Touch ID, whereas the more expensive ones are equipped with Face ID. According to Bloomberg, Apple wants to bring Face ID to all Apple devices, however, there are some big challenges that stand in the way.

The iMac with M1 has been on the market for two months – however, several customers are now reporting high-frequency annoying beeping. Mac users have been known to encounter such problems.

We're all expecting Apple to release a reworked M1X version of the MacBook Pro this fall, but what about the MacBook Air? Well, it looks as if the next MacBook Air will introduce the second series of M chips and Mini-LED, but not until next year.

Apple has always argued that attempts to hinder third party repair providers are for the safety of its customers. Now, according to a bipartisan decision from the FTC, which wants to make it more difficult for companies to control the aftermarket, Apple could be in a pickle.

When Apple updates a support document that hasn't been updated for years, it means something – especially when that document involves MagSafe, rumored to make a comeback in the next macOS. This almost guarantees that the rumors are true.

Apple's hit the start button for macOS Big Sur 11.5, which has just been released. The new version contains a new feature and two bug fixes, in addition – iPadOS 14.7 has also been released alongside the new version of macOS.

A short report from today: Apple abolished the mask mandate for Apple Store employees last month, in June – however, the decision hasn't lasted long and is being reversed. Additionally, Apple is trying to purchase a production studio right on Hollywood's doorstep – Apple Studios.

So, how does Apple's newest accessory perform in terms of everyday use? Now that sales for the MagSafe Battery Pack have started, there are several reports. There's not an outrageous amount of enthusiasm – in case anyone was expecting such for a battery.

Apple is currently in the middle of its transition from Intel to in-house chips. Many customers are intently anticipating the release of the new MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon. According to Bloomberg, however, there are still a few months left to wait.